Billy Summers: New Stephen King novel (August 2021)

[Bev Vincent]

Stephen King's TV reign: Author discusses Mr. Mercedes, The Stand, The Outsider (https://ew.com/tv/stephen-king-interview-mr-mercedes-the-stand-the-outsider/)

You have a Hard Case Crime book, titled Later, coming in 2021. But I look at your website pretty regularly and it's unusual for you not to have at least two upcoming books on your site. And so I'm wondering if there is another new title you're working on that you can tease?

There will be two next year. I don't want people to get used to that or think that that's the norm. It's not. But it's just the way things happened. So there is another, but I don't want to say anything about it yet.

[webstar1000]

Stephen King's TV reign: Author discusses Mr. Mercedes, The Stand, The Outsider (https://ew.com/tv/stephen-king-interview-mr-mercedes-the-stand-the-outsider/)

You have a Hard Case Crime book, titled Later, coming in 2021. But I look at your website pretty regularly and it's unusual for you not to have at least two upcoming books on your site. And so I'm wondering if there is another new title you're working on that you can tease?

There will be two next year. I don't want people to get used to that or think that that's the norm. It's not. But it's just the way things happened. So there is another, but I don't want to say anything about it yet.

Cause it is DT related. Who wants to bet?

[herbertwest]

Stephen King's TV reign: Author discusses Mr. Mercedes, The Stand, The Outsider (https://ew.com/tv/stephen-king-interview-mr-mercedes-the-stand-the-outsider/)

You have a Hard Case Crime book, titled Later, coming in 2021. But I look at your website pretty regularly and it's unusual for you not to have at least two upcoming books on your site. And so I'm wondering if there is another new title you're working on that you can tease?

There will be two next year. I don't want people to get used to that or think that that's the norm. It's not. But it's just the way things happened. So there is another, but I don't want to say anything about it yet.

Cause it is DT related. Who wants to bet?

How do you define that it's DT related? Almost all his work is.
I am in for 10 bucks that it's not directly / majorly related to the DT

[Bev Vincent]

Maybe the one he talked about during his interview with John Grisham.

[webstar1000]

Stephen King's TV reign: Author discusses Mr. Mercedes, The Stand, The Outsider (https://ew.com/tv/stephen-king-interview-mr-mercedes-the-stand-the-outsider/)

You have a Hard Case Crime book, titled Later, coming in 2021. But I look at your website pretty regularly and it's unusual for you not to have at least two upcoming books on your site. And so I'm wondering if there is another new title you're working on that you can tease?

There will be two next year. I don't want people to get used to that or think that that's the norm. It's not. But it's just the way things happened. So there is another, but I don't want to say anything about it yet.

Cause it is DT related. Who wants to bet?

How do you define that it's DT related? Almost all his work is.
I am in for 10 bucks that it's not directly / majorly related to the DT

I define that it is directly related my man. I have reasons to believe this.... whether I am right or not... I am leaning more to right than not right. I would also not say the majority of his work is related to DT. Maybe 30-35%

[fernandito]

I would love it if it was DT related.

[georgiesarm]

Maybe the one he talked about during his interview with John Grisham.

Exactly, he specifically mentions two books in that interview: one about a hitman, and a crime novel with a supernatural twist which 'Later' sounds like it will be. So this will be the hitman one on which he had to change the year to 2019 because of the couple going on a cruise.

[ladysai]

I would love it if it was DT related.

This 100%

[The Great Buchinsky]

Obviously something DT or the "rumored" It sequel would be the best case but the hitman book seems most likely.

[herbertwest]

Maybe the one he talked about during his interview with John Grisham.

Agreed. During that interview, he already said that he had 2 books for 2021. One about an assassin. And a short one, that is very likely to be "Later"

[nocny]

The title is "The Assassin", it was in the time of that interview at least.

[fitomad]

This is the title of the new book, second in 2021, that will be published by Scriber in august 3rd.

Read an excerpt in Entertainment Weekly (https://ew.com/books/stephen-king-billy-summers-excerpt/).

[mae]

https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.onecms.io%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F6%2F2021%2F01%2F27%2FB illy-Summers-2000.jpg

[herbertwest]

August release?

That's unusual for a King book !

[fitomad]

August release?

That's unusual for a King book !

I think the same!

Maybe a third one on november, december?

[mae]

August release?

That's unusual for a King book !

Yes, according to our list (https://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?3555-Stephen-King-Book-Release-Dates-List), the only major trade releases in August were The Dead Zone and Different Seasons. The last August book was The Waste Lands in 1991.

[herbertwest]

I think that the reason is based on sales.
If I am not mistaken, usually Scribner releases 2 King books per year : march and october.

If they were to wait october to release it, they would only have 3 months of sales. By releasing it in august they double that amount

[Hunchback Jack]

“19 Skyline Drive”

[Ben Mears]

...according to our list, the only major trade releases in August were The Dead Zone and Different Seasons...

If BS is anywhere close to the caliber of those two books we're in for a treat.

[RichardX]

Great news. So nice still to have King around and writing books. A nice distraction from the politics and ills of the world over the last year.

[Ari_Racing]

Found an easter egg in the cover:

https://scontent-eze1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/143100368_10225698449272710_376314803317076791_o.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=QfcAzOqhR0YAX8G6Txz&_nc_ht=scontent-eze1-1.xx&tp=6&oh=31a2c531f63839d3fec27373ba5f6ea5&oe=6038DEDB

[herbertwest]

Nice !


Here is the british cover :

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Es6LFKsXUAQfian?format=jpg&name=900x900

[sullichin]

UK cover
https://twitter.com/HodderBooks/status/1355168873612501001?s=20

[Clacke]

Exclusive Waterstones version

https://www.waterstones.com/book/billy-summers/stephen-king/9781529377309?utm_source=WS_StephenKingBillySummer sExclusive&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=january2021twitter

[mae]

It's now up on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982173610/

978-1982173616
528 pages

High resolution cover:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91ejbk21DlL.jpg

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91ejbk21DlL.jpg

[Garrell]

We finally have the better looking cover, ordered the Waterstone as always. Thanks.

[mae]

It's a taste thing, I guess, but I never like the UK covers. Plus, to me the US covers are the "official" ones, so there's that, too :)

[SystemCrashOverRide]

Three copies pre-ordered and counting. I wonder how much the Waterstones exclusive will actually differ from the normal UK 1st, as there's really no indication on the purchase pages, aside from the cover image with "Exclusive" slapped on the corner, which I'm hoping is a place holder.

[stroppygoblin]

Three copies pre-ordered and counting. I wonder how much the Waterstones exclusive will actually differ from the normal UK 1st, as there's really no indication on the purchase pages, aside from the cover image with "Exclusive" slapped on the corner, which I'm hoping is a place holder.

different color end papers. (blue instead of orange)

https://stephenkingbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BillySummers_endpaper_mockup_orange-768x602.jpg

https://stephenkingbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BillySummers_endpaper_mockup_Blue-768x602.jpg

NB Only the first printings of the normal trade will be orange. Makes it easy to spot a F/F!

(Expect the WH Smith edition to be a subtle shade of purple...)

[SystemCrashOverRide]

That's perfect, thanks for sharing that Simon

Can I ask where you found those details? I'm also wondering if they will do a modified dustjacket colour or coloured page ends as they have in the past for other exclusives.

[Hunchback Jack]

Thanks for the Waterstones link! I ordered one copy, and bundled in a regular edition copy as well.

I wish WH Smith would ship to the US.

HBJ

[Merlin1958]

Thanks for the Waterstones link! I ordered one copy, and bundled in a regular edition copy as well.

I wish WH Smith would ship to the US.

HBJ

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[stroppygoblin]

That's perfect, thanks for sharing that Simon

Can I ask where you found those details? I'm also wondering if they will do a modified dustjacket colour or coloured page ends as they have in the past for other exclusives.

I received an email from them. Here is the provided link: https://stephenkingbooks.co.uk/2021/01/29/billy-summers/?utm_source=CRM&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BillySummers&utm_campaign=e.hs_stephenking_nl_20.01.29_BillySum mersAnnouncement

[Brian861]

We finally have the better looking cover, ordered the Waterstone as always. Thanks.

Agreed! I'm usually a UK cover fan but this one is nice! Hopefully CD is able to incorporate the red into their slipcase. The past several books, Germany has actually had the best covers IMO. I'm curious to see what they do with this one.

[RichardX]

Not a fan of the UK cover. What is that on the end paper - bullets and ink pens? Not many King books are titled after characters. Carrie, Cujo, Lisey's Story. Maybe Christine, Rose Madder and Gerald's Game if you want to be generous. The assassination theme is a long standing one with King. All the JFK references and Dead Zone climax. Sounds interesting.

[jon10g]

Is different endpapers really the only exclusive in this edition?
I presume the orange is considered to be the true UK first?



Three copies pre-ordered and counting. I wonder how much the Waterstones exclusive will actually differ from the normal UK 1st, as there's really no indication on the purchase pages, aside from the cover image with "Exclusive" slapped on the corner, which I'm hoping is a place holder.

different color end papers. (blue instead of orange)

https://stephenkingbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BillySummers_endpaper_mockup_orange-768x602.jpg

https://stephenkingbooks.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BillySummers_endpaper_mockup_Blue-768x602.jpg

NB Only the first printings of the normal trade will be orange. Makes it easy to spot a F/F!

(Expect the WH Smith edition to be a subtle shade of purple...)

[Brian861]

Correct about the orange. So far I believe that is true about the exclusive.

[jon10g]

Thanks. Not much of an exclusive!


Correct about the orange. So far I believe that is true about the exclusive.

[SystemCrashOverRide]

I'm sad WHSmith isn't doing an exclusive edition like they normally do.

[dnemec]

I'm sad WHSmith isn't doing an exclusive edition like they normally do.

They aren't?! Damn!

[SystemCrashOverRide]

Not that I've seen or heard of. I'd love to be wrong.

[Brian861]

Not that I've seen or heard of. I'd love to be wrong.

Hopefully they'll put out some info soon one way or the other.

[craigobau]

The usual WH Smith purple variant is now up for pre-order;

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/billy-summers-collectors-edition-cover/stephen-king/hardback/0000060119629.html

[SystemCrashOverRide]

The usual WH Smith purple variant is now up for pre-order;

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/billy-summers-collectors-edition-cover/stephen-king/hardback/0000060119629.html

You love to see it. Shame they won't ship internationally - time to reach out to some lovely forum members in the UK!

[dnemec]

The usual WH Smith purple variant is now up for pre-order;

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/billy-summers-collectors-edition-cover/stephen-king/hardback/0000060119629.html

Sweet! Now....does anyone want to help a Yank out?! :biggrin:

[craigobau]

I’m happy to help any North American forum members who want to get the WHSmith variant.

Please DM me.

[BigJoeHillfan]

Not a fan of the UK cover. What is that on the end paper - bullets and ink pens? Not many King books are titled after characters. Carrie, Cujo, Lisey's Story. Maybe Christine, Rose Madder and Gerald's Game if you want to be generous. The assassination theme is a long standing one with King. All the JFK references and Dead Zone climax. Sounds interesting.

It sounds just like the storyline of Dexter. A killer that only kills bad people..........

[Stockerlone]

The German Billy Summers
09. August 2021

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.de/content/edition/cover/350px/9783453273597.jpg

[Brian861]

Germany keeps knocking it out of the park!

[Garrell]

Yep, they keep killing it!!!!

[Brian861]

Yep, they keep killing it!!!!

I'm seriously thinking of asking Frank to go back and pick me up the last few titles if he can still find 1st's.

[Bev Vincent]

Stephen King talks thriller Billy Summers and why the pandemic isn't that different from The Stand (https://ew.com/books/stephen-king-interview-billy-summers/)

[Garrell]

Thanks, good article.

[Bev Vincent]

Stephen King Reads from Billy Summers on YouTube
Premieres Jul 27, 2021 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJz-ccAMeI)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJz-ccAMeI

[jreitan47]

Stephen King talks thriller Billy Summers and why the pandemic isn't that different from The Stand (https://ew.com/books/stephen-king-interview-billy-summers/)


This appears in print as well, in the August 2021 issue #1614, pg. 83.

[RichardX]

The release date is fast approaching or so the endless email reminders from S&S inform me! I'm guessing there would have been word of a signed edition by this point if that were happening? Even the "contest" they are running is for unsigned copies.

[mae]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81V2zYxSCoL.jpg

[Merlin1958]

Loads of anticipation for this novel which is due out very soon!!! Can't wait to get my hands on it!!! Also, because I'll finally get delivery of my s/l "Later" along with my UK collectible edition of this title soon after release!!! It'll be a Two-fer here in the desert for me anyway!! LOL

[RichardX]

It's a little weird that there was no NY Times review of the upcoming book this weekend (unless I missed it). Usually every major paper reviews a new King book and gives it gushing praise regardless of merit. It's almost part of the standard marketing plan.

[Merlin1958]

It's a little weird that there was no NY Times review of the upcoming book this weekend (unless I missed it). Usually every major paper reviews a new King book and gives it gushing praise regardless of merit. It's almost part of the standard marketing plan.

That IS rather strange. Surely we just missed it somehow, no?

[herbertwest]

Maybe next weekend?

[Merlin1958]

Hot tamale!!! Just about all my desired editions are "In the Mail"!!!!! Sure hope I'm not disappointed. As I've I've stated before I'm looking forward to this novel. The premise looks very promising indeed, IMHO. Of course, I'll need to interrupt my current reading schedule of re-reading some of the "classics" of mine from the past. Currently into book 2 of 7 of the "Foundation Series" with the "Dune" trilogy up next in line. I'll likely then go to some of the horror classics, i.e. "The Exorcist", "Dracula" (one of my all time favorites) and "Ghost Story" if anyone gives a crap!! lol lol

[Bev Vincent]

NY Times review: Stephen King Pays His Dues in a ‘One Last Job’ Novel (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/books/review/stephen-king-billy-summers.html)

Esquire: Stephen King Takes Us Inside the Process of Writing Billy Summers (https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a37182078/stephen-king-billy-summers-interview/)

[RichardX]

Got a notice from Amazon that my copy had been "delayed." You know things are crumbling into ruins when mega giant Amazon can't deliver the mega author Stephen King's book on time. I could even walk to an Amazon warehouse in my area.

[Merlin1958]

Got a notice from Amazon that my copy had been "delayed." You know things are crumbling into ruins when mega giant Amazon can't deliver the mega author Stephen King's book on time. I could even walk to an Amazon warehouse in my area.

Got my reading copy today. You have to be "Special" like me, Richard. Then they deliver your copy the day after release!!!! LOL

I'll have to put "Hari Seldon" on hold for a bit and dive right in!!!

[Garrell]

I sadly, like always, have to drive to Indy to get a copy. Hour and a half away. No Walmart or anything within 3 counties has his books day of release. 2 weeks or more if at all.

[Merlin1958]

I sadly, like always, have to drive to Indy to get a copy. Hour and a half away. No Walmart or anything within 3 counties has his books day of release. 2 weeks or more if at all.

Move out of the sticks, pal!!!! LOL Life is a series of decisions, trades and compromises I suppose. LOL

[fitomad]

For those who loves book covers...

The Spanish edition will be published with the same cover as the USA edition.

https://lectoresconstantes.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/billy-summers-edicion-espanola.jpg

Publish date: October 7th

[Hunchback Jack]

My standard UK and Waterstones exclusive editions Arrived from Waterstone’s today! Still in the cheap cardboard sleeves, but luckily they are relatively unscathed. Still waiting for my WH Smith version.

[Merlin1958]

My standard UK and Waterstones exclusive editions Arrived from Waterstone’s today! Still in the cheap cardboard sleeves, but luckily they are relatively unscathed. Still waiting for my WH Smith version.

Really sucks that these firms still ship in those packaging. And from overseas no less!! You'd expect better from the, Brits, right? lol

[Hunchback Jack]

Agreed, Bill. I can understand that booksellers need to keep postage cost-competitive, but giving a more expensive option for collectors would be nice.

HBJ

[Merlin1958]

Agreed, Bill. I can understand that booksellers need to keep postage cost-competitive, but giving a more expensive option for collectors would be nice.

HBJ

At the very least. On the contrary, Folio Society shipped my, "Foundation Trilogy" with excellent packing. What can you do, right? Shows its a matter of a simple choice though.

[herbertwest]

Agreed, Bill. I can understand that booksellers need to keep postage cost-competitive, but giving a more expensive option for collectors would be nice.

HBJ

But why would they bother creating more issues for them, given the book is selling at $25?
And for how many collectors that would want that?

[Merlin1958]

Agreed, Bill. I can understand that booksellers need to keep postage cost-competitive, but giving a more expensive option for collectors would be nice.

HBJ

But why would they bother creating more issues for them, given the book is selling at $25?
And for how many collectors that would want that?

I'm sorry, my friend but maybe a box as opposed to a bubble envelope? That's too much to ask? Then don't sell the book if there is no profit. You've got to have some standards, no?

[Hunchback Jack]

It wasn’t even a bubble envelope, it was a cardboard sleeve.

And I get that it complicates the ordering process, but it’s not like they don’t have the boxes and packing materials already for bigger orders.

[herbertwest]

Agreed, Bill. I can understand that booksellers need to keep postage cost-competitive, but giving a more expensive option for collectors would be nice.

HBJ

But why would they bother creating more issues for them, given the book is selling at $25?
And for how many collectors that would want that?

I'm sorry, my friend but maybe a box as opposed to a bubble envelope? That's too much to ask? Then don't sell the book if there is no profit. You've got to have some standards, no?

I respectfully disagree my friend.


Why bother adding extra costs for the thousands of copies they sell, when there will only be a few people that may complain that the book has been slightly damaged?
Put yourself in their position : they ship thousands, and more likely hundreds of thousands / millions of books per year. Not just King's.
That would definitely increase their costs, while still trying to compete with amazon and other ecommerce websites.

This is not an expensive exclusive limited edition book per see, sold more expensive and that requires necessarily more attention from them.
IMO, this is just "another book" for them and I totally understand that.

[St. Troy]

I've always found the industry's complete apathy toward packaging books amazingly odd - they openly, and possibly proudly, fail to give a shit.

[herbertwest]

Has anyone confirmed that the purple WHSSmith version from the UK has no additional text?

Although I think it only has been the case once. I don't remember if it was Mr Mercedes or another book

[frik]

Has anyone confirmed that the purple WHSSmith version from the UK has no additional text?

No additional text.

sk

[herbertwest]

Thanks

[RichardX]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

[Cook]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??

[sentinel]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??

I thought it was excellent! Reminded me of Shawshank, great character development and just a simple but satisfying story.

[RichardX]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??


I just finished it. In light of the sensitivity to spoilers here, I'll just say it's a very average book. Not King's worst but not very good.

[Ben Mears]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??


I just finished it. In light of the sensitivity to spoilers here, I'll just say it's a very average book. Not King's worst but not very good.

+1. Not bad but nothing special. That said, I'm glad SK is still writing and will read any/all of his output as long as my local library keeps ordering his books!

[Merlin1958]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??


I just finished it. In light of the sensitivity to spoilers here, I'll just say it's a very average book. Not King's worst but not very good.

+1. Not bad but nothing special. That said, I'm glad SK is still writing and will read any/all of his output as long as my local library keeps ordering his books!

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[RichardX]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??


I just finished it. In light of the sensitivity to spoilers here, I'll just say it's a very average book. Not King's worst but not very good.

+1. Not bad but nothing special. That said, I'm glad SK is still writing and will read any/all of his output as long as my local library keeps ordering his books!

Yes, I can and will always read a new King book but maybe we are doing him a disservice. It's becoming a bit like watching Elvis toward the end. Sweating and forgetting the words. Still the "King" though.

[frik]

Is there a discussion thread on the book itself? I can't find it.

I was wondering the same thing.. has anybody read the story yet?
Feedback ---- any good ??

Loved it. Definitely one of my favorite later Kings.

sk

[Curly]

My wife asked me what it was about after I finished it. Not much to say really!

[RichardX]

My wife asked me what it was about after I finished it. Not much to say really!

Billy went to Walmart a lot!

[SystemCrashOverRide]

I'm a little shocked by the tepid response here, Elvis past his prime? Really? I thought it was fucking brilliant.

I think some of the audience might be past their prime, but King? No - he's still churning out gems. I would happily recommend this to others (and have).

[Garrell]

I enjoyed it. Not in his top 10 but top 20 .

[CyberGhostface]

I'm a little shocked by the tepid response here, Elvis past his prime? Really? I thought it was fucking brilliant.

I think some of the audience might be past their prime, but King? No - he's still churning out gems. I would happily recommend this to others (and have).

Yeah I'm reading it now and it's solid.

I think it's fair to say that King has 'peaked' -- I don't think we'll ever get something like IT again -- but it's not like he's waning in his old age. He's always had hits and misses.

[burgerhicks80]

I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not my favorite of his recent books but still a damn good yarn

[Stockerlone]

Stephen King - Billy Summers
Heyne HC Germany

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/HCA_Samson_Neville_Joe_Hill_Stephen_King_048.JPG

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/HCA_Samson_Neville_Joe_Hill_Stephen_King_049.JPG

[Garrell]

Love that cover. Best so far for this release.

[CyberGhostface]

Just finished it yesterday. I thought it was good. Not GREAT but better than some of his recent books like the Mercedes trilogy.

I certainly wouldn't compare King to Elvis fumbling his lines. Some of his recent books haven't been that great but he's still a good writer. The Institute for example I found to be one of his most entertaining books in a long time.

[craigobau]

I’m about 25% of the way through the book and I’m actually really enjoying this one, certainly far more than anything since Revival.

The character development is classic King. I only wish there was something supernatural lurking around the corner.

[Brian861]

I’m about 25% of the way through the book and I’m actually really enjoying this one, certainly far more than anything since Revival.

The character development is classic King. I only wish there was something supernatural lurking around the corner.

:evil: